This is Dorothy's daughter.

Hi!I'm Desiree. Well first of all let me tell you my weight. I weigh 240 pounds and i'm 5'5. You might think it's not that serious. Let me tell you my age. I'm 15. I'm a sophmore in high school. I'm not comfortable about it what so ever! My mom had gastric bypass. I'm thinking about getting the LapBand procedure. I can get it because how overweight I am. Im obese no question about it. I want what every teenager wants, to go to prom and not have to go look in the "womens departent", be comfortable in what I wear and not worry about my "love handles" or my stomach in it. My mom lost about 150 pounds since she got it in September of '07. She has done great. I laugh at her because how long she has to chew for food. I really shouldn't because she's the one who's healthy while i'm not. I'm not sure weather or not I should get the LapBand because there are things that concern me. Like saggy skin, when can I eat normal things, will I always be sore. My mom's given me lot's of advice and she said it would be best, I agree. I'm soooooo scared! But I think i'm gonna go for it. Hey, you only live once. "You got to risk it to get the biscuit."

HI Desiree! At your age and weight, I'd really try and lose the excess through diet and exercise first. Remember, the surgery is a life-long change. Many surgeons won't consider doing the surgery on someone younger than 16.

As far as when you can eat "normal" things - you will always have restrictions on your diet with this surgery. No, you won't always be sore. 

Everyone is different, but since you are so young, you have a better chance of not having saggy skin issues. Also, you are considered a "lightweight" for weight loss surgery.

What ever you decide, I wish you luck.

Desiree.....my heart goes out to you hon.   I too have been obese all my life and as a teen in high school  it is NO fun at all.    I have lost and gained my weight my entire life.    I had RNY 4 yrs ago and for the first time in my life I feel "normal" for whatever that is.   LOL   Remember this is a LIFE TIME COMMITMENT as Lynne said.    As far as the excess skin "hanging" lots will shrink up especially at your being so young.   Don't worry about that....you worry about  getting the weight off before it affects your health.   You are wise to think about getting control of your weight at a young age.    Good luck to you with whatever decision that you decide to make in your life.    Prayers for you that you make the right decision without regreats.


Hugs and blessings ~~~ Vivian

I have lapband and LOVE LOVE it.  It's work.  All WLS are.  There are NO quick fixes.  You have to give up some foods but they aren't good for you anyway.  No more donuts.  Pizza is hard(you can eat all the toppings but not the crust).  Hamburger buns are BYE BYE.  Breads pretty much don't work well, but if you're overweight like most of us have been...a lot of it is because of breads.
There's no easy way to lose the weight.  You MUST exercise.  You HAVE TO work at this, but IT WORKS. I can eat most things still that I did before surgery, but I can only eat about 1/4 of the quantity!!  I love my band!

Feel free to ask any questions and to take a look at my profile(I haven't updated it in awhile except for pictures). 

My band has given me YEARS with my husband(who is also banded) and kids.  My kids are proud to have me come to their school because I'm not the fat mom anymore.  They love being able to put their arms around me and clasp their hands when they hug me.  They love having me swing with them at the park, not just push them on the swings.

Even if you don't have WLS surgery, commit yourself to getting ahold of your weight before it takes over.  You have too many years ahead to miss out on all the fun stuff!!

Hi Desiree, I think it's wise that you are concerned about the weight at a young age.  My suggestion is if you are really serious about WLS to go with the lapband or the VSG, (both restriction only) as the malabsorption procedures require lots of vitamins FOR LIFE and unless you are ready to deal with that then you are looking at other health issues long-term.

Good luck in whatever you decide.  I WISH I had WLS at a younger age.

hi desiree....i remember your mom we met in san antonio..... really research which surgery you want....there are pros and cons to both...

say hi to your mom